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Uniquely Herself
How Dominique Dawes Is Helping Preteen Girls By Teri Brown
Though you wouldn't be able to tell by her accomplishments, Dawes also struggled with self-esteem issues in her youth and understands the challenges preteen girls face.
"I was in the sport of gymnastics for 18 years," says Dawes. "I was definitely in the spotlight, and I loved what I was doing and my fans were wonderful. But at the same you get a lot of pressure put on you by fans, the media and others in the sport. I feel it's important that kids understand that positive self-esteem doesn't come from being a superstar or celebrity. It's all from within. And I want to be a positive role model for young girls today."
As a young gymnast, Dawes certainly faced a lot of stress. The sport of gymnastics, like ice skating, seems to extract a certain body image from the girls participating in them. Perfection is expected from young girls in a sport so challenging it boggles the mind. Pain is a part of the process, as is being judged. Training is difficult and takes up most of the athlete's time.
"I was often at the gym for six to eight hours a day," says Dawes. "I had to work hard. I was there sometimes when I didn't want to be there. Sometimes I got hurt. As a spokesperson for the uniquely ME! program, I get to explain to preteens around the country that celebrities and top athletes have all faced self-esteem struggles. I, too, have dealt with peer pressure, appearance concerns, etc."
Dawes tried to stay focused on why she was making the sacrifices she was for her sport and her strong support system was key in helping her overcome the challenges.
"It helped to have positive people surrounding me: my family, my coach and definitely my teammates," says Dawes. "I used their motivation for self-correction and self-discovery. And I'd remind myself that I was doing all this because I loved what I was doing. I wasn't doing the sport to please others or to win an Olympic medal and make money. I was doing it first and foremost because I loved what I was doing. It made me become who I a today."